William Odell Byington

William Odell Byington, 85, passed away on September 16, 2024.

Born to Ardella and Ordell Byington in American Falls, ID, he was born on March 6, 1939.  With his mother, he resided in Jerome, Idaho at his grandmother's - Mary Ann Lasley Byington.  While attending first grade, his father served in the US Army, stationed in Japan.  Once his father returned home, they moved to numerous rural towns throughout Idaho.

Upon attending Franklin Jr. High, he met his lifetime sweetheart, Roselind Newey.  They were married on New Year's Eve in 1959 in Blackfoot, ID and were later sealed in the Logan Temple.  In the same year, Odell "Stubby" joined the US Army.  They welcomed their first child - Christine - while living in Germany on Odell's deployment on June 4, 1961.  Upon their return to Idaho, Troy - their second child - soon followed and was born in in Twin Falls, ID on October 14, 1962.  Nearly a year later, Shelly and Kelly were born in Pocatello, ID on November 11, 1963.  This made them quite the family of six with the oldest being only two years old.

Odell held several jobs at Eddy's Bakery, Town & Country Bakery, and Gateway while living in the Twin Falls area.  After moving back to Pocatello in 1971, they welcomed their fifth child - Michelle - on November 9, 1972.  To top off their unity, their final child - Melissa - was born on August 3, 1974.  During this time, he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.  Even though he retired in 1996, he drove truck harvest for Wada Farms, showing how much he was dedicated to hard work.

Hard work was just a part of Odell's tune, no matter where he landed, he put his whole soul into his work.  On his own time, you would catch him vigorously cleaning his car, polishing his boots, reading a riveting western, and repairing anything that needed fixing.  His favorite place was the great outdoors where he enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, hunting, golfing, boating, water skiing and camping.  To say he never sat still is an understatement.  Being outside with his loved ones and friends - along with his horses and dogs - was truly his happy place.  He always kept polished, neat, and clean, even on his many adventures in the great outdoors.  He was very proud to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions, with his favorite being a "greeter" on Sundays.

Odell was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, and his happiest moments were spent with his wife, brothers, kids and countless grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Roselind Byington of Pocatello, ID; children, Christine Richards of Green Cove Springs, FL; Troy (Christie) Byington of Boise, ID; Shelly (Dave) Schilhobel of Bakersfield, CA; Kelly (Scott) Gabbert of Charlotte, NC; Michelle (Tracy) Pinson of Green Cove Springs, FL; Melissa (Tony) Pena of Pocatello, ID; brothers, Dennis (Carolyn) Byington of Boise, ID; Dan (Shileen) Byington of Elko, NV; brother and sister in law, Chad and Marilyn Price of Pocatello, ID; nineteen grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ordell and Ardella Byington; brother, Lodell Byington; grandson, Maverick Kent; granddaughter, Olivia Pinson; nephew, Alex Byington; and sister-in-law, Lazann Ryle.

A viewing will be held from 3:00 - 5:00 pm on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 300 N Johnson, Pocatello, ID, followed by a celebration of life from 5-7 pm.  Funeral service will be at 11:00 on Tuesday, September 24 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1700 Kinghorn Road, Pocatello, ID with a viewing prior beginning at 10 am.  Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Rockland, Idaho.

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